Anticipation on horse and rider: Finally Leonhardi again in Hundham, Schliersee and Reichersdorf

Created: 10/05/2022, 10:00 am

By: Sebastian Grauvogl

Where tradition and faith combine: the Leonhardi ride in Hundham, here a picture from 2015. © Thomas Plettenberg

Premiere at the Hundhamer Leonhardifahrt: Michael Gartmaier (35) holds the reins as the new committee chairman.

The anticipation is also great in Schliersee and Reichersdorf.

Schlierach-/Leitzachtal

– Even as a little boy, Michael Gartmaier (35) admired horse and rider when they passed through Hundham on Leonhardi.

He had the perfect view from the balcony of his parents' house.

Gartmaier later stood with the camera in front of the podium with the clergy to photograph the teams receiving the blessing.

He didn't take the photos for his private archive, but to give them as souvenirs to the passengers later.

On Saturday, November 5th, from 9.30 a.m., the 35-year-old himself will appear in one or the other motif: as the new chairman of the Hundham Leonhardi Committee.

Gartmaier speaks of a "great honor and pleasure" when asked about his responsible and traditional position.

As an active member of many clubs, he has experience with organizing events and also has access to the relevant network, not least because of his duties as a member of the CSU municipal council.

But holding the reins in one of the most important events in the Leitzachtal is a different story, says Gartmaier, referring to the big footsteps left by his predecessor Philipp Lidschreiber.

As reported, the former landlord of the Gasthaus Kirchstiegl headed the Leonhardi committee for almost half a century.

Unfortunately, the “Lipp” was not able to complete its 50th tour.

In 2020 he had to cancel it because of Corona, in February 2021 he died at the age of 87.

And yet Gartmaier knows that it was in Lidschreiber's sense to now succeed him.

During his lifetime he asked him if he would be willing to do so.

Mayor also celebrates premiere

Even if the planned and orderly handover did not take place, Gartmaier feels well prepared.

His eleven experienced committee colleagues are a valuable support.

"Without them it wouldn't work," emphasizes the 35-year-old.

At least he knows he's not alone with his stage fright.

Because another leading actor at the Hundhamer Leonhardifahrt is celebrating its premiere this year: Mayor Stefan Deingruber.

And according to Gartmaier, he also relies on the best possible preparation: "He was present at some committee meetings."

Michael Gartmaier, new Leonhardi boss in Hundham.

© Private

What both men and probably all other Rosserers wish for: a Leonhardi ride like before Corona.

And then the Hundhamer was always one of the largest in the district of Miesbach with around 60 teams, 40 riders and hundreds of pilgrims and spectators.

"I hope that I didn't forget anyone when I was invited," says Gartmaier and laughs.

Otherwise, of course, he wishes for good weather, but above all an accident-free trip with many visitors.

The new committee chairman does not yet know where he will pursue them himself.

"Maybe I'll find a seat in a carriage the second time around," says the 35-year-old with a smile.

The fact that he is not a Rosserer himself is not a problem for this office, he thinks, and also refers to his predecessor here.

"Lipp wasn't one either." It is much more important to live this tradition wholeheartedly.

And there shouldn't be a lack of that at Gartmaier either.

"For me, Leaharts in Hundham is a public holiday."

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Great anticipation in Reichersdorf, euphoria in Fischhausen

The people of Reichersdorf traditionally start the Leonhardi rides in the district of Miesbach.

The anticipation is particularly great this year, reports organizer Leonhard Rieder.

No wonder the Rosserers had to wait three years due to the corona before they are allowed to move out again for the big detour.

On Sunday, October 9th, they even have to get up a little earlier.

The line-up of around 30 teams begins at 10 a.m., half an hour earlier than in previous years.

The reason is the clergy's schedule, explains Rieder.

There are no other innovations.

And so he hopes for many visitors this year who want to experience the first Leonhardi ride for three years in the district of Miesbach.

There were around 2000 in 2019.

Also interesting: At the age of 81, Fuhrmann worked for Leonhardi in Kreuth

In Schliersee, too, the roadsides and of course the fairgrounds at St. Leonhard in Fischhausen should be densely populated when the teams set off from Schliersee train station at 9 a.m. on Sunday, November 6th.

A few horses and carriages will be missing this year, says committee chairman Leonhard Markhauser.

The reason is a collision with Kreuth, who will hold their Leonhardi ride on the same day.

A planning error?

No, says Markhauser.

"That happens every few years." While the residents of Schliersee always ask the horse and rider for a blessing on the first Sunday in November (except on All Saints' Day), this is always done in Kreuth on November 6th.

Both dates coincide this year.

Nevertheless, the euphoria is great in town.

By the Rosserern themselves,

but also with the Schalk women and other club members.

Unlike Corona, no one will let the weather stop Leonhardi, emphasizes Markhauser and says: "It's not just a tradition, it's also a pilgrimage.

so called